In an unexpected turn of events, Pilotcenter.net News has reported that Ryanair has demanded some of its flight attendants in Spain to return the salary increases they received after a legal dispute with their union. Back in October 24, 2024, a pay increase had been settled with the Spanish union Confederación Sindical de Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) for all flight attendants, regardless of union affiliation. Unfortunately, another union, the Unión Sindical Obrera (USO), challenged the agreement in court, claiming their members were not properly represented during the negotiations. Spain’s High Court eventually ruled the pay raise as invalid.

Consequently, Ryanair has taken the controversial step of instructing its USO flight attendants to return the additional wages received since the commencement of 2025. The airline, in a confidential communication reviewed by Spanish news outlet El Confidential, has stated the amount to be repaid is €3,215.95. To mitigate the impact on employees' finances, Ryanair has proposed a 12-month repayment plan, with deductions starting from the June 2025 payslip.

In a recent update on April 4, 2025, Ryanair communicated through an email to employees that joining the CCOO union could exempt them from the debt repayment. Those opting against joining were informed that the total sum would require immediate repayment. Ryanair extended the deadline for cabin crew to accept the CCOO agreement until May 19, 2025, emphasizing that this union membership was the sole way to avoid the debt and retain the increased wages without reimbursement.

Failure to act by June 1, 2025, could lead to salary reductions and changes in work assignments, as per a letter seen by El Confidential. This unexpected development has put many Ryanair flight attendants in a difficult position, with their financial stability hanging in the balance.